Short message communication within a mobile graphical map

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a computer-implemented process is programmed or configured to allow a first computing device to generate and send enriched pin data to a geographical messaging system. The geographical messaging system may then broadcast the enriched pin data to a second computing device belonging, for instance, to a team member in the same geographical region as the first computing device. The second computing device may then use the enriched pin data to display, on a geographical map, a map pin that corresponds to the enriched pin data for a selected map pin type.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS; BENEFIT CLAIM

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/289,497 filed Feb.28, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/792,463 filed Oct. 24, 2017, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.§ 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/436,978 filedDec. 20, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. This applicationis related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/839,026, entitled “Useof Teams in a Mobile Application”, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, now issuedU.S. Pat. No. 9,380,431 B1, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. This applicationis related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/145,177, entitled “Useof Teams in a Mobile Application”, filed on May 3, 2016, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein. SUGGESTED GROUP ART UNIT: 2643.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a geographical messaging system. Morespecifically, the disclosure relates to short message communicationwithin a mobile graphical map using a geographical messaging system.

BACKGROUND

Field operatives and team members in a local geographic area often needto communicate information to one another. For example, emergencyresponders, search and rescue teams, law enforcement officers, newsreporters, and other types of field operatives need to coordinateinformation regarding positioning, routes of travel, and geographicfeatures in real time to their teams. Such communication typicallyoccurs by verbal communication via telephone or radio. As a result, suchcommunication is imprecise, suffers from delays based on verbalcommunication protocol, and does not allow for ease of broadcastinginformation to an entire team in a local geographic area. Moreover,existing verbal communication techniques do not allow field operativesto provide media or other enriched data with their communication that islocation-specific.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could bepursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previouslyconceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it shouldnot be assumed that any of the approaches described in this sectionqualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in thissection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The example embodiment(s) of the present invention are illustrated byway of example, and not in way by limitation, in the figures of theaccompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer tosimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a geographical messaging system, accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate example graphical maps for generating,interacting with, and displaying positional map pins, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example graphical map for generating enriched pindata, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate example graphical maps for generating,interacting with, and displaying ping map pins.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate example graphical maps for generating,interacting with, and displaying with assistance map pins.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate example graphical maps for generating,interacting with, and displaying with travel route map pins.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate example graphical maps for generating,interacting with, and displaying with drawing map pins.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example message chain history, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram for short message communication usinga geographical messaging system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a computing device in which the exampleembodiment(s) of the present invention may be embodied.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a software system for controlling theoperation of the computing device.

While each of the figures illustrates a particular embodiment forpurposes of illustrating a clear example, other embodiments may omit,add to, reorder, and/or modify any of the elements shown in the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S)

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the example embodiment(s) of the present invention. Itwill be apparent, however, that the example embodiment(s) may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the example embodiment(s).

-   -   1.0 GENERAL OVERVIEW    -   2.0 EXAMPLE COMPUTER SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION        -   2.1 ENRICHED PIN DATA        -   2.2 POSITIONAL MAP PIN        -   2.3 OFF-SCREEN MAP PIN        -   2.4 GENERATING A MAP PIN BASED ON USER INPUT        -   2.5 PING MAP PIN        -   2.6 ASSISTANCE MAP PIN        -   2.7 TRAVEL ROUTE MAP PIN        -   2.8 DRAWING MAP PIN        -   2.9 MESSAGE CHAIN HISTORY        -   2.10 ADDITIONAL FEATURES        -   2.11 APPLICATION AREAS    -   3.0 EXAMPLE PROCESS AND ALGORITHM    -   4.0 IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS—HARDWARE OVERVIEW    -   5.0 IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS—SOFTWARE OVERVIEW    -   6.0 OTHER ASPECTS OF DISCLOSURE

1.0 General Overview

A geographical position of a mobile computing device in a digital map,based upon receiving location signals from the device, may begraphically illustrated using a virtual map pin. The virtual map pin maybe associated with stored digital data such as a latitude value and alongitude value, and sometimes a time value. Collectively, this data maybe termed digital map pin data and can be used to calculate routes,store locations that devices visited for historical purposes orauditing, and other applications.

In one embodiment, a computer-implemented process is programmed orconfigured to allow a first mobile device to generate and send digitalenriched pin data to a geographical messaging system. The first mobiledevice may generate the enriched pin data based on user input and/ordata automatically retrieved from the first mobile device, such as thegeographical location of the first mobile device or a unique identifierthat identifies the owner of the first mobile device.

Digital enriched pin data may comprise latitude and longitude data, atimestamp, and a media element. Media elements may include image data,video data, audio data, text data, drawing data that defines ageographic location, route data that defines a geographic travel path,and/or pin expiration data. The geographical messaging system may thenbroadcast the enriched pin data to a second mobile device belonging to ateam member in the same geographical region as the first mobile device.In one embodiment, the geographical messaging system may broadcast theenriched pin data to a second mobile device via a messaging server,however, in another embodiment, the geographical messaging system maybroadcast the enriched pin data to a second mobile device directly fromthe first mobile device without the use of a messaging server.

The second mobile device may then use the enriched pin data to display,on a graphical map, a map pin that corresponds to the enriched pin data.The map pin may be positioned on the graphical map based on the enrichedpin data's latitude and longitude data. The map pin may display thetimestamp and/or the media element either immediately or based on userinteraction with the map pin.

In one embodiment, the second mobile device may also use the enrichedpin data to display, in a message chain history, a message related tothe enriched pin data.

2.0 Example Computer System Implementation

FIG. 1 illustrates an example geographical messaging system 100 in whichthe techniques described herein may be practiced, according to someembodiments. In the example of FIG. 1, geographical messaging system 100is programmed or configured to generate, transmit, and display digitalenriched pin data. Geographical messaging system 100 may be implementedacross one or more physical or virtual computing devices, none of whichis intended as a generic computer, since it is loaded with instructionsin a new ordered combination as otherwise disclosed herein to implementthe functions and algorithms of this disclosure. The example componentsof geographical messaging system 100 shown in FIG. 1 are implemented atleast partially by hardware at one or more computing devices, such asone or more hardware processors executing stored program instructionsstored in one or more memories for performing the functions that aredescribed herein. Or, one or more virtual machine instances in a sharedcomputing facility such as a cloud computing center may be used. Thefunctions described herein are intended to indicate operations that areperformed using programming in a special-purpose computer orgeneral-purpose computer, in various embodiments. Geographical messagingsystem 100 illustrates only one of many possible arrangements ofcomponents configured to execute the programming described herein. Otherarrangements may include fewer or different components, and the divisionof work between the components may vary depending on the arrangement.

Geographical messaging system 100 comprises one or more mobile devices110, 120. For purposes of illustrating a clear example, two (2)instances of mobile devices are shown in FIG. 1, however, the techniquesof the present disclosure may use any number of mobile devices in otherembodiments. Each mobile device 110, 120 may be any computing devicewith mobile capability, including, but not limited to a smartphone,tablet computer, laptop computer, unmanned aerial vehicle, automobiledashboard computing device, or any similar computing device.

Mobile devices 110, 120 are each communicatively coupled to network 130.Network 130 may be any communication network, such as communication overthe Internet or a private network. In an embodiment, network 130 mayinclude a wireless network via one or more wireless transmissionprotocols, such as 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, LTE, 3G, CDMA, or anyother wireless protocol.

Mobile devices 110, 120 are each programmed or configured to displaygraphical maps. A graphical map is a graphical visualization of ageographic area and its features. Graphical maps be implemented via adownloadable application, a web-based application, or some other similarimplementation. For example, a graphical map may be used to displayroads, walking paths, buildings, topography, traffic, transit networks,weather conditions, or other geographic-based features of an area. Inone embodiment, a graphical map may be displayed in a three-dimensionalspace, such as an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR)visualization.

Mobile devices 110 and/or 120 are further programmed or configured toreceive user input, for example, via a keyboard, touch screen, stylus,button(s), scroll wheel, or any other user input device. In anembodiment, mobile devices 110 and/or 120 may comprise a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) system that is programmed or configured toreceive GPS data regarding the position of the mobile device, includinglatitude and/or longitude data. Mobile devices 110, 120 may comprise analtimeter system that is programmed or configured to determine thealtitude of the mobile device. Mobile devices 110 and/or 120 maycomprise an accelerometer that is programmed or configured to determinethe acceleration of the mobile device. Mobile devices 110 and/or 120 maycomprise a gyroscope that is programmed or configured to determine theorientation of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, geographical messaging system 100 may furthercomprise messaging server 140 that is also communicatively coupled tonetwork 130. In one embodiment, mobile devices 110, 120 may communicatewith one another using a messaging server 140, via network 130. Inanother embodiment, mobile devices 110, 120 may communicate directlywith one another via network 130, without a messaging server 140.

In one embodiment, a mobile device 110 may be programmed or configuredto receive user input, via a first graphical map that identifies alocation point in the first graphical map at a particular latitude valueand longitude value. The mobile device 110 may be programmed orconfigured to use the user input to generate digital enriched pin datafor the location point. Further details regarding the contents of theenriched pin data will be discussed herein. The mobile device 110 may beprogrammed or configured to send the enriched pin data to mobile device120. In one embodiment, sending the enriched pin data from mobile device110 to mobile device 120 may involve the messaging server 140, however,in another embodiment, mobile device 110 may send the enriched pin datadirectly to mobile device 120 without the messaging server 140. Mobiledevice 120 may then, upon receiving the enriched pin data, use theenriched pin data to display a pin on a second graphical map, whereinthe pin is positioned at the location point. In one embodiment, enrichedpin data may comprise one or more media elements, such as images,videos, text, route data, or drawing data. The one or more mediaelements may be displayed with the pin on the second graphical map.

For example, one embodiment provides a computer-implemented method orsystem for receiving user input that selects a point in a firstgraphical map at a first mobile device. The method or system furthercomprises, in response to receiving the user input, generating, based onthe user input, enriched pin data comprising a latitude valuerepresenting a latitude position of the point, a longitude valuerepresenting a longitude position of the point, a timestamp value, and amedia element. The method or system further comprises sending theenriched pin data to a second mobile device and, in response toreceiving the enriched pin data at the second mobile device, displayinga pin on a second graphical map on the second mobile device, wherein thepin is positioned on the second graphical map using the latitude valueand longitude value, wherein the pin comprises an indicator of thetimestamp value, and wherein the pin is configured to display the mediaelement.

The present techniques thus allow members of a team to communicateinformation to one another in the field, using geographic-based shortmessages. The enriched pin data allows for team members, using mobiledevices, to convey meaningful information that is geography-specific fordisplay in a graphical map on a mobile device. These techniques areparticularly useful in application areas where geographic-based messagesprovide meaningful information to users, such as emergency responders,search and rescue teams, fire departments, law enforcement, newreporting, or other similar application areas.

2.1 Enriched Pin Data

Enriched pin data may be defined as digital data that may be graphicallydepicted as a pin at a location point in a graphical map on a mobiledevice. In an embodiment, enriched pin data comprises a latitude valuethat represents a latitude position of the location point and alongitude value that represents a longitude position of the locationpoint. Enriched pin data further comprises a creation timestamp valuethat represents the time at which the enriched pin data was generated.Enriched pin data may further comprise one or more pin types thatindicate what kind of pin should be displayed in a graphical map usingthe enriched pin data.

In an embodiment, enriched pin data may comprise one or more mediaelement(s). A media element may be any supplementary data that can bedisplayed with a pin. For example, a media element may include imagedata, video data, text data, drawing data that defines a geographicallocation, route data that defines a geographic travel path, and/or pinexpiration data that indicates an expiration timestamp value or anexpiration time period for when the enriched pin data expires. In anembodiment, media element(s) may be generated by a mobile device 110based on user input. For example, image data or video data may begenerated based on an image capture device associated with mobile device110. Likewise, text data may be provided by user input at mobile device110.

In an embodiment, enriched pin data may be generated at a mobile device110. For example, enriched pin data may be generated at mobile device110 in response to receiving user input on mobile device 110.

In another embodiment, such as in the case of a positional map pin,enriched pin data may be generated automatically by a mobile device 110based on the position of the mobile device, as determined from one ormore of a GPS system, altimeter system, accelerometer, and/or gyroscopeof the mobile device 110.

In an embodiment, enriched pin data may include sender identifier datathat identifies the sender of the enriched pin data. For example, senderidentifier data may identify the mobile device 110 and/or the userassociated with the mobile device 110. For example, the enriched pindata may include the name of the user that owns mobile device 110 or theinitials of the user that own the mobile device 110 or some otherinformation that identifies the sender.

Enriched pin data may be transmitted from a mobile device 110 to amobile device 120. Such a transmission may be performed using messagingserver 140 or, alternatively, may be performed directly between mobiledevice 110 and mobile device 120. Mobile device 120 may then use theenriched pin data to graphically display a pin on a graphical map ofmobile device 120 based upon the enriched pin data.

2.2 Positional Map Pin

A positional map pin is a type of map pin that can be used to displayenriched pin data that represents the position of a mobile device.

In an embodiment, a positional pin may be automatically generated by amobile device 110 based on the location of the mobile device asrepresented by enriched pin data. For example, mobile device 110 mayautomatically, without user interaction, use positional data, includinglatitude value and longitude value of the mobile device 110, to generateenriched pin data, and transmit that enriched pin data to another mobiledevice 120 for display as a map pin. The second mobile device 120 canthus display a map pin that represents the relative position of themobile device 110 on a graphical map.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example graphical map 200 of a mobile device thatdisplays positional map pins. Graphical map 200 is a graphicalvisualization of a geographic area. Graphical map 200 includespositional map pins 230, 232, 240, and 250 that each graphically depictsa set of enriched pin data. Each of the positional map pins 230, 232,240, and 250 represents the position of a particular mobile device, suchas a mobile device of a team member for a team of field operatives. Inan embodiment, a positional map pin may further display data regarding aunique identifier of the sender of the mobile device that the positionalmap pin represents, such as the name of the mobile device's user ortheir initials. For example, positional map pin 230 represents theposition of a mobile device “JS” which may represent “Jane Smith”.Positional map pin 232 represents the position of a mobile device “MR”which may represent “Mary Richardson”, and positional map pin 250represents the position of a mobile device “PK” which may represent“Paul Kennedy”. Positional map pin 240, as denoted by a unique symbol,represents the position of the mobile device of the current user'smobile device. Thus, positional map pin 240 allows the current user toidentify their relative location to the graphical map 200.

In an embodiment, a graphical map may include a user input for centeringthe graphical map on the position of the current user's mobile device.For example, graphical map 200 includes a button 220 that can bedepressed to center the graphical map 200 on the position associatedwith positional map pin 240, which represents the position of thecurrent user's mobile device.

In an embodiment, a graphical map 200 may include a user input fordisplaying a message chain history. For example, graphical map 200includes a button 210 that can be depressed to display a message chainhistory of nearby map pins for a team. Further details regarding themessage chain history will be described herein.

In an embodiment, positional map pins are automatically updated inreal-time as nearby team members move with their mobile devices, therebyensuring that a graphical map 200 has a current depiction of therelative positions of team members.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example graphical map 202 of a mobile deviceafter a user has interacted with positional map pin 232. Uponinteracting with positional map pin 232, such as via a touch gesture,graphical map 202 displays a map pin popup 270. A map pin popup is agraphical display of additional information from the enriched pin dataassociated with a map pin. A map pin popup can be used to display anydata associated with enriched pin data, such as a media element. Map pinpopup 270 includes a description of the sender of the positional map pin232 to be “Mary Richardson”. Map pin popup 270 includes a calculation ofthe relative distance of the positional map pin 232 from the currentposition of the current user's mobile device located at positional mappin 240 as “1190 ft from your location”. Map pin popup 270 furtherincludes an image 272, which is an example of a media element associatedwith the enriched pin data for the positional map pin 232. In thisexample, the image 272 is a picture of Mary Richardson. By interactingwith a map pin, a user can thus observe and see additional informationassociated with a map pin via a map pin popup.

2.3 Off-Screen Map Pin

An off-screen map pin is an alternative visualization of a map pin thatindicates that the location associated with the map pin is off-screenfrom the currently-displayed area of the graphical map with a graphicalindicator. For example, returning to FIG. 2A, the positional map pins240 and 250 and ping map pin 260 include directional indicators, such asan arrow and are positioned at the edge of the graphical map 200 toindicate that the respective positions of the map pins are off-screen.Thus, a user looking at graphical map 200 would know that positional mappin 240 is to the left of the currently-displayed area of the graphicalmap 200, positional map pin 250 is below the currently-displayed area ofthe graphical map 200, and ping map pin 260 is to the right of thecurrently-displayed area of the graphical map 200.

In one embodiment, off-screen map pins are only displayed for map pinsthat are unread by the current mobile device. Thus, if a mobile devicemarks a particular map pin as read, such as by interacting with the mappin, it will no longer generate an off-screen map pin if that particularmap pin's position is off-screen. This can help to reduce cluttervisualization in a graphical map by removing map pins that have alreadybeen read.

2.4 Generating a Map Pin Based on User Input

Some map pins may be generated by a mobile device 110 based on inputreceived from a user. FIG. 3 illustrates an example graphical map 300for generating map pin based on user input. A user may select a pointfor generating enriched pin data. In this example, a user has interactedwith the graphical map 300, for example, via a long-press touch gestureat a position as denoted by temporary map pin 395. Temporary map pin 395is a placeholder that indicates to a user where a map pin is beingcreated.

Graphical map 300 includes menu options 310, 320, 330, and 340 forcreating enriched pin data for map pins of different map pin types. Menuoption 310 may be used for the generation of enriched pin data for adrawing map pin. Menu option 320 may be used for the generation ofenriched pin data for an assistance map pin. Menu option 330 may be usedfor the generation of enriched pin data for a travel route map pin. Menuoption 340 may be used for the generation of enriched pin data for aping map pin. Further details regarding each of these map pin types willbe described herein, however, additional map pin types may also exist.

Graphical map 300 may include a text box 350 for a user to provide textdata to be included as a media element in enriched pin data at the timeof generating enriched pin data. Graphical map 300 may include submitbutton 360 for finalizing and generating the enriched pin data.

2.5 Ping Map Pin

A ping map pin is a type of map pin that can be used to display enrichedpin data that represents a particular location in a graphical map. Aping map pin is unique from a positional map pin because it can begenerated based on user input and/or it may be generated based on aparticular location separate from the location of a mobile device.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example graphical map 400 of a mobile device 110that generates enriched pin data for a ping map pin 470. The enrichedpin map data for ping map pin 470 may be generated based on userinteraction with menu option 440. Unique text associated with ping mappin 470 may be included in text box 450. In this particular example, thetext box 450 includes the text “Building fire” to notify team memberswith a description of what is happening at the location associated withping map pin 470. Thus, the content of text box 450 may be used as amedia element in the ping map pin 470. In other embodiments, additionalmedia elements may be included in the ping map pin, such as image data,video data, audio data, or any other information. The enriched pin mapdata for ping map pin 470 may be sent from mobile device 110 to a mobiledevice 120.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example graphical map 402 of a mobile device 120that has received enriched pin data for ping map pin 470. The mobiledevice 120 may display the ping map pin 470 on the graphical map 402based on the underlying received enriched pin map data. Upon interactingwith ping map pin 470, such as via a touch gesture, graphical map 402displays a map pin popup 480. Map pin popup 480 includes a descriptionof the map pin type as a “Ping” map pin. Map pin popup 480 includes atimestamp value that indicates when the ping map pin 470 was sent to be“Sent at 9:09 AM”. Map pin popup 480 includes an indicator thatindicates the sender of the ping map pin 470 as “Jane Doe”. Map pinpopup 480 includes a calculation of the relative distance of the pingmap pin 470 from the current position of the current user's mobiledevice “452 ft from your location”. In one embodiment, the relativedistance may be calculated by mobile device 120 in real-time andadjusted on the fly as the relative distance changes. Map pin popup 480further includes a text description of “Building fire”, which is anexample of a media element that was provided via text box 450, although,in different embodiments, different media elements may be displayed.

Thus, a user can use a ping map pin 470 to convey information regardinga particular location on a graphical map to team members.

2.6 Assistance Map Pin

An assistance map pin is a type of map pin that can be used to displayenriched pin data that represents a particular location in a graphicalmap where a team member requires additional assistance.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example graphical map 500 of a mobile device 110that generates enriched pin data for an assistance map pin 570. Theenriched pin map data for assistance map pin 570 may be generated basedon user interaction with menu option 520. Unique text associated withassistance map pin 570 may be included in text box 550. In thisparticular example, the text box 550 includes the text “2 perpetratorsin the area, I need backup” to notify team members with a description ofwhat is happening at the location associated with assistance map pin570. Thus, the content of text box 550 may be used as a media element inthe enriched pin data associated with the assistance map pin 570. Inother embodiments, additional media elements may be included in theassistance map pin, such as image data, video data, audio data, or anyother information. The enriched pin map data for assistance map pin 570may be sent from mobile device 110 to a mobile device 120.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example graphical map 502 of a mobile device 120that has received enriched pin data for assistance map pin 570. Themobile device 120 may display the assistance map pin 570 on thegraphical map 502 based on the underlying received enriched pin mapdata. Upon interacting with assistance map pin 570, such as via a touchgesture, graphical map 502 displays a map pin popup 580. Map pin popup580 includes a description of the map pin type as an assistance map pinwith the description “Assist Me”. Map pin popup 580 includes a timestampvalue that indicates when the assistance map pin 570 was sent to be“Sent at 9:09 AM”. Map pin popup 480 includes an indicator thatindicates the sender of the assistance map pin 570 as “Jane Doe”. Mappin popup 580 includes a calculation of the relative distance of theassistance map pin 570 from the current position of the current user'smobile device “452 ft from your location”. In one embodiment, therelative distance may be calculated by mobile device 120 in real-timeand adjusted on the fly as the relative distance changes. Map pin popup580 further includes a text description of “2 perpetrators in the area,I need backup”, which is an example of a media element that was providedvia text box 450, although, in different embodiments, different mediaelements may be displayed.

Thus, a user can use an assistance map pin 570 to convey informationrequiring assistance of other team members to their team.

2.7 Travel Route Map Pin

A travel route map pin is a type of map pin that can be used to displayenriched pin data that represents that a team member associated with aparticular mobile device is on its way to a particular location in agraphical map.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example graphical map 600 of a mobile device 110that generates enriched pin data for a travel route map pin 670. Theenriched pin map data for travel route map pin 670 may be generatedbased on user interaction with menu option 630. Unique text associatedwith travel route map pin 670 may be included in text box 650. In thisparticular example, the text box 650 includes the text “Lots of traffic”to notify team members with a description of whatever the user wants todescribe in association with travel route map pin 670. Thus, the contentof text box 650 may be used as a media element in the enriched pin dataassociated with the travel route map pin 670. In other embodiments,additional media elements may be included in the travel route map pin,such as image data, video data, audio data, or any other information.The enriched pin map data for travel route map pin 670 may be sent frommobile device 110 to a mobile device 120.

In one embodiment, enriched pin data for travel route map pin 670 mayinclude travel route data that represents a travel route 680 from acurrent position of mobile device 110 as indicated by positional pin 672and the destination position of travel route map pin 670 as anadditional media element. Such travel route data may be represented, forexample, by a series of coordinates with latitude and longitude valuesthat represent the intended travel route. Travel route data may alsoinclude additional data regarding mode of transportation as provided bythe user generating the travel route map pin 670, such as walking, car,mass transit, etc. In one embodiment, travel route data may include anestimated time of arrival at the location associated with travel routemap pin 670 as a media element. In another embodiment, some or all ofthe travel route data may be omitted from the enriched pin data, and mayinstead be estimated or calculated by the receiving mobile device 120based on the positional pin 672.

FIG. 6B illustrates an example graphical map 602 of a mobile device 120that has received enriched pin data for travel route map pin 670. Themobile device 120 may display the travel route map pin 670 on thegraphical map 602 based on the underlying received enriched pin mapdata. In one embodiment, travel route 680 may be displayed on graphicalmap 602 based on travel route data included in the enriched pin data. Inanother embodiment, travel route 680 may be displayed on graphical map602 based on calculations performed by mobile device 120 to determine aroute of travel from the position of a positional pin 672 representingthe sender of the travel route map pin 670 and the position of thetravel route map pin 670.

Upon interacting with travel route map pin 670, such as via a touchgesture, graphical map 602 displays a map pin popup 690. Map pin popup690 includes a description of the map pin type as a travel route map pinwith the description “On My Way”. Map pin popup 690 includes a timestampvalue that indicates when the travel route map pin 670 was sent to be“Sent at 9:09 AM”. Map pin popup 690 includes an indicator thatindicates the sender of the travel route map pin 670 as “Jane Doe”. Mappin popup 690 includes a calculation of the relative distance of thetravel route map pin 670 from the current position of the current user'smobile device as “452 ft from your location”. In one embodiment, therelative distance may be calculated by mobile device 120 in real-timeand adjusted on the fly as the relative distance changes based onchanges to the current position of the current user's mobile device. Mappin popup 690 further includes a text description of “Lots of traffic”,which is an example of a media element that was provided via text box650, although, in different embodiments, different media elements may bedisplayed. Map pin popup 690 further includes an estimated time ofarrival (ETA) of “4 mins” for the sender of the enriched pin data. Inone embodiment, ETA may be a media element that was included in theenriched pin data that was sent by mobile device 110. In anotherembodiment, ETA may be calculated by mobile device 120 based on theposition of positional map pin 672 for the sender mobile device and theexpected path of travel. Such an ETA may be recalculated as thepositional map pin 672 changes position using algorithms for determininga path of travel, such as Djikstra's algorithm.

Thus, a user can use a travel route map pin 670 to convey informationregarding a route of travel in a graphical map to team members.

2.8 Drawing Map Pin

A drawing map pin is a type of map pin that can be used to displayenriched pin data that represents a drawing on a graphical map. Such adrawing may be a freeform drawing on a graphical map, a shape-baseddrawing on a graphical map, or text to be overlaid on top of thegraphical map.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example graphical map 700 of a mobile device 110that generates enriched pin data for a drawing map pin 770. The enrichedpin map data for drawing map pin 770 may be generated based on userinteraction with menu option 710. Unique text associated with drawingmap pin 770 may be included in text box 750. In this particular example,the text box 750 includes the text “Dangerous area” to notify teammembers with a description of whatever the user wants to describe inassociation with drawing map pin 670. Thus, the content of text box 750may be used as a media element in the enriched pin data associated withthe drawing map 770. In other embodiments, additional media elements maybe included in the drawing map pin, such as image data, video data,audio data, or any other information. The enriched pin map data fordrawing map pin 770 may be sent from mobile device 110 to a mobiledevice 120.

In one embodiment, enriched pin data for drawing map pin 770 may includedrawing data that represents drawing on the graphical map 700 asgenerated based on user input. In one embodiment, drawing data mayrepresent a freeform drawing 780 made by a user, and may be stored as aseries of coordinates with latitude and longitude values that representthe freeform drawing. The series of coordinates can thus be used togenerate a curve representing the freeform drawing. In one embodiment,mobile device 110 may use a curve smoothing algorithm to remove one ormore coordinates from series of coordinates in order minimize the amountof data that needs to be transmitted as part of enriched pin data,thereby improving system performance.

In one embodiment, drawing data may include a shape-based drawing on topof graphical map 700. For example, a user may be allowed to createpolygonal shapes on graphical map, and scale the size accordingly. Suchpolygonal shapes may include rectangles, ovals, triangles, or any othershape. Data representing the polygonal shape may be stored as part ofenriched pin data for the drawing map pin 770. In another embodiment,drawing data may include a text-based drawing to be overlaid on top ofgraphical map 700.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example graphical map 702 of a mobile device 120that has received enriched pin data for travel route map pin 670. Themobile device 120 may display the drawing map pin 770 on the graphicalmap 602 based on the underlying received enriched pin map data. In oneembodiment, drawing 780 may be displayed based on drawing data includedin the enriched pin data.

Upon interacting with drawing map pin 770, such as via a touch gesture,graphical map 702 displays a map pin popup 790. Map pin popup 790includes a description of the map pin type as drawing map pin with thedescription “Drawing”. Map pin popup 790 includes a timestamp value thatindicates when the drawing map pin 770 was sent to be “Sent at 9:09 AM”.Map pin popup 790 includes an indicator that indicates the sender of thedrawing map pin 770 as “Jane Doe”. Map pin popup 790 includes agraphical depiction of drawing 780 as determined by drawing dataincluded in enriched pin data associated with drawing map pin 770. Thus,a user can use a drawing map pin 770 to convey information regarding ageographical area using drawing on a graphical map to team members.

2.9 Message Chain History

In addition to displaying map pins in a graphical map, a mobile device120 may also display map pins in a message chain history. A messagehistory is a tabular format for displaying map pins.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a message chain history 800. Messagechain history 800 includes message entries 810, 820, 830, 850, 850, 860.Each message entry represents an event in the geographical messagingsystem and corresponds to either a map pin that has been sent to a teamor a text message that has been sent to a team. For example, in theexample of message chain history 800, message entries 810, 830, 850,850, 860 each correspond to message entry type that is associated with amap pin with underlying enriched pin data. On the other hand, messageentry 820 corresponds to a message entry type for a text message thatdoes not correspond to a map pin or enriched pin data. For example,message entry 820 may be associated with a short message service (SMS)text message. Thus, message chain history 800 allows for the integrationof message communications via map pins with regular text messages.

In one embodiment, each message entry may include an icon that isdetermined based on the message entry type and/or associated map pintype of the enriched pin data.

In one embodiment, each message entry may include a description of themessage entry type and/or associated map pin type. For example, messageentry 820 indicates a message entry type of “Text Message”, whereasmessage entry 810 indicates a map pin type of “Ping”.

In one embodiment, each message entry may include an indication as tothe sender of the message entry and a timestamp value associated withthe message entry. For example, message entry 810 was sent by Jane Doeat 8:37 AM. This information may be determined, for example, based onthe enriched pin data associated with message entry 810.

In one embodiment, each message entry may additionally includeadditional media elements based on enriched pin data. In one embodiment,a user may mark a message entry as read or delete a message entry toremove it from message chain history 800.

In one embodiment, message entries in message chain history 800 may besorted based on one or more factors, such as timestamp values, senderidentifier, map pin type, expiration timestamp value, or any otherfeature of the message entries.

In one embodiment, a user may interact with a message entry in messagechain history 800 that represents a map pin to position their graphicalmap on the map pin. This allows users to quickly and easily find a mappin, using the message chain history 800 and locate it in the graphicalmap.

2.10 Additional Features

In one embodiment, enriched pin data may include expiration data. Suchexpiration data may be configured as a system setting or may bespecified by a user at the time of generating enriched pin data. Uponreaching an expiration time stamp, the map pin associated with enrichedpin data may be deleted or removed from all graphical maps. This helpsto prevent map pins from overly cluttering graphical maps, by removingthem when they are no longer necessary.

In one embodiment, a mobile device may be programmed or configured toallow a user to manually delete, mark as hidden, or mark as read a mappin. For example, a user may perform these actions via a map pin popupor via the message chain history. By performing such an action, theunderlying map pin may be removed from their mobile device's graphicalmap and/or removed from all mobile device's graphical maps in thegeographical messaging system.

In one embodiment, a mobile device may be programmed or configured toallow a user to manually edit enriched pin data associated with anexisting map pin. For example, they may edit or add media elements tothe enriched pin data associated with the map pin. This allows for usersto add supplementary information to a map pin over time, therebyallowing them to supplement additional information to their teammembers.

In one embodiment, an SOS map pin is a type of map pin that may bequickly and easily generated by mobile device with minimal userinteraction. For example, an SOS map pin may be generated withoutproviding any text or other user inputs aside from a single buttonpress. This allows a user to quickly notify team members of anemergency.

In one embodiment, a mobile device may be programmed or configured toonly display map pins that are located within a threshold distance ofthe mobile device geographically. Such a threshold distance may bespecified by a system-wide setting or a setting specific to a mobiledevice. For example, a user may specify a threshold distance that onlydisplays map pins within 1 mile of the mobile device. This allows a userto customize how many map pins they want to see. This is especiallyhelpful for large teams where there can be a considerable number of mappins available.

In one embodiment, a mobile device may be programmed or configured toallow a user to flag a map pin, such as denoting a particular color, afavorite, or increasing a higher priority. In one embodiment, a higherpriority map pin may be displayed with specific graphicalcharacteristics to team members. For example, a high priority map pinmay be enlarged, flashing, or animated. This allows a user to emphasizeimportant map pins for team members to pay attention to.

2.11 Application Areas

The present techniques may be used by any teams that havegeographically-sensitive information. Example application areas includefirst responders, fire departments, humanitarian relief, lawenforcement, military tactical deployments, search and rescueoperations, news reporting teams, and other location-based teams.

Additionally, the present techniques may be used for social networkingpurposes to allow users to easily communicate and coordinate plans withfriends and acquaintances. For example, a user could set up a meetingpoint for a restaurant outing with a series of friends using alocation-based map pin or a rendezvous point for a date in a dating app.

The present techniques provide for efficient communication betweenmembers of a team that provides more enhanced communication than atraditional text message or email would. The availability ofgeographical-based map pins integrated with a graphical map allows forteam members to quickly and easily convey map-based data in real time toone another. Information can be easily disseminated to an entire team ina geographical area and updated on the fly by team members.

3.0 Example Process and Algorithm

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example process 900 for shortmessage communication using a geographical messaging system, accordingto one embodiment. FIG. 9 is intended to disclose an algorithm orfunctional description that may be used as a basis of writing computerprograms to implement the functions that are described herein and whichcause a computer to operate in the new manner that is disclosed herein.Further, FIG. 9 is provided to communicate such an algorithm at the samelevel of detail that is normally used, by persons of skill in the art towhich this disclosure is directed, to communicate among themselves aboutplans, designs, specifications and algorithms for other computerprograms of a similar level of complexity.

The process 900 may start at step 910. At step 910, a first mobiledevice 110 is programmed or configured to receive data that identifies alocation point located at a particular latitude value and longitudevalue. In the example of a positional map pin, the location point may bedetermined automatically by the first mobile device 110 based on theposition of the first mobile device 110 as determined, for example, by aGPS system. In the examples of other types of map pins, the locationpoint may be determined based on user-provided input. Such user-providedinput may include a user interaction with a touch screen, input via akeyboard or styles, or any other user input on the first mobile device110. In one embodiment, the data may include media elements, such asimage data, video data, audio data, text data, or any othersupplementary data. Such media elements may be received via user inputon the first mobile device 110. The process 900 may then proceed to step920.

In step 920, the first mobile device 110 is programmed or configured togenerate enriched pin data based on the data received in step 910.Enriched pin data includes the latitude value of the location point andlongitude value of the location point. Enriched pin data mayadditionally include data received via user input, such as one or moremedia elements. Enriched pin data may also include a timestamp value forthe time that the enriched pin data was generated. Enriched pin data mayalso include an identifier of the sender of the enriched pin data, suchas the name of the owner of the mobile device, the name of the mobiledevice, or some other similar identifier. In one embodiment, theidentifier of the sender of the enriched pin data may be provided byuser input, but in another embodiment, it may be determined based on asetting of the first mobile device 110. The process 900 may then proceedto step 930.

In step 930, the first mobile device 110 is programmed or configured tosend the enriched pin data generated in step 920 to a messaging server140 via network 130. In an embodiment, first mobile device 110 may sendthe enriched pin data using one or more wireless transmission protocols.The process 900 may then proceed to step 940.

In step 940, the messaging server 140 is programmed or configured todetermine a second mobile device 120 to receive the enriched pin data.In one embodiment, the messaging server 140 may previously storeinformation about the team members associated with first mobile device110 and their associated potential recipient mobile devices. This storedinformation may include information about the position of each of thepotential recipient mobile devices. In one embodiment, messaging server140 may thus use that stored information to identify all mobile devicesthat could receive the enriched pin data in order to broadcast theenriched pin data to all such mobile devices. In another embodiment,messaging server 140 may additionally determine whether potentialrecipient mobile devices for team members are within a geographicaldistance threshold of the first mobile device 110 and will only send theenriched pin data to the second mobile device 120 if it is within thegeographical distance threshold. In another embodiment, messaging server140 may additionally determine whether the potential recipient mobiledevices have appropriate security permission to receive the enriched pindata before broadcasting the enriched pin data to the recipient mobiledevice. If a recipient mobile device does not have appropriatepermissions, the messaging server 140 will not send the enriched pindata to it. Based on this criteria, the messaging server 140 maydetermine at least one second mobile device 120 to receive the enrichedpin data. The process 900 may then proceed to step 950.

In step 950, the messaging server 940 is programmed or configured tosend the enriched pin data to one or more second mobile devices 120 asdetermined during step 940. In one embodiment, the messaging server 940will broadcast the enriched pin data to all such mobile devices. In oneembodiment, messaging server 940 may send a push notification to secondmobile device 120 that includes enriched pin data. The messaging server940 may send the enriched pin data to second mobile device 120 usingnetwork 130. The process 900 may then proceed to step 960.

In step 960, the second mobile device 120 is programmed or configured touse the enriched pin data sent during 950 to display, on a secondgraphical map of the second mobile device, a map pin using the enrichedpin data. The position of the map pin on the second graphical map isdetermined based on the latitude value and the longitude value in theenriched pin data. In one embodiment, upon interacting with the map pinon the second graphical map, a map pin popup may be displayed that maydisplay additional information regarding the map pin such as mediaelements, timestamp value, sender information, and any other informationrelated to the enriched pin data. In another embodiment, this additionalinformation may be displayed without requiring user input. The process900 may then end.

In an alternative embodiment of process 900, the steps 930, 940 and 950may be omitted and instead, the first mobile device 110 may beprogrammed or configured to send the enriched pin data directly tosecond mobile device 120 without using messaging server 140.

4.0 Implementation Mechanisms—Hardware Overview

Referring now to FIG. 10, it is a block diagram that illustrates acomputing device 1000 in which the example embodiment(s) of the presentinvention may be embodied. Computing device 1000 and its components,including their connections, relationships, and functions, is meant tobe exemplary only, and not meant to limit implementations of the exampleembodiment(s). Other computing devices suitable for implementing theexample embodiment(s) may have different components, includingcomponents with different connections, relationships, and functions.

Computing device 1000 may include a bus 1002 or other communicationmechanism for addressing main memory 1006 and for transferring databetween and among the various components of device 1000.

Computing device 1000 may also include one or more hardware processors1004 coupled with bus 1002 for processing information. A hardwareprocessor 1004 may be a general purpose microprocessor, a system on achip (SoC), or other processor.

Main memory 1006, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamicstorage device, also may be coupled to bus 1002 for storing informationand software instructions to be executed by processor(s) 1004. Mainmemory 1006 also may be used for storing temporary variables or otherintermediate information during execution of software instructions to beexecuted by processor(s) 1004.

Software instructions, when stored in storage media accessible toprocessor(s) 1004, render computing device 1000 into a special-purposecomputing device that is customized to perform the operations specifiedin the software instructions. The terms “software”, “softwareinstructions”, “computer program”, “computer-executable instructions”,and “processor-executable instructions” are to be broadly construed tocover any machine-readable information, whether or not human-readable,for instructing a computing device to perform specific operations, andincluding, but not limited to, application software, desktopapplications, scripts, binaries, operating systems, device drivers, bootloaders, shells, utilities, system software, JAVASCRIPT, web pages, webapplications, plugins, embedded software, microcode, compilers,debuggers, interpreters, virtual machines, linkers, and text editors.

Computing device 1000 also may include read only memory (ROM) 1008 orother static storage device coupled to bus 1002 for storing staticinformation and software instructions for processor(s) 1004.

One or more mass storage devices 1010 may be coupled to bus 1002 forpersistently storing information and software instructions on fixed orremovable media, such as magnetic, optical, solid-state,magnetic-optical, flash memory, or any other available mass storagetechnology. The mass storage may be shared on a network, or it may bededicated mass storage. Typically, at least one of the mass storagedevices 1010 (e.g., the main hard disk for the device) stores a body ofprogram and data for directing operation of the computing device,including an operating system, user application programs, driver andother support files, as well as other data files of all sorts.

Computing device 1000 may be coupled via bus 1002 to display 1012, suchas a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other electronic visual display,for displaying information to a computer user. In some configurations, atouch sensitive surface incorporating touch detection technology (e.g.,resistive, capacitive, etc.) may be overlaid on display 1012 to form atouch sensitive display for communicating touch gesture (e.g., finger orstylus) input to processor(s) 1004.

An input device 1014, including alphanumeric and other keys, may becoupled to bus 1002 for communicating information and command selectionsto processor 1004. In addition to or instead of alphanumeric and otherkeys, input device 1014 may include one or more physical buttons orswitches such as, for example, a power (on/off) button, a “home” button,volume control buttons, or the like.

Another type of user input device may be a cursor control 1016, such asa mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicatingdirection information and command selections to processor 1004 and forcontrolling cursor movement on display 1012. This input device typicallyhas two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and asecond axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in aplane.

While in some configurations, such as the configuration depicted in FIG.10, one or more of display 1012, input device 1014, and cursor control1016 are external components (i.e., peripheral devices) of computingdevice 1000, some or all of display 1012, input device 1014, and cursorcontrol 1016 are integrated as part of the form factor of computingdevice 1000 in other configurations.

Functions of the disclosed systems, methods, and modules may beperformed by computing device 1000 in response to processor(s) 1004executing one or more programs of software instructions contained inmain memory 1006. Such software instructions may be read into mainmemory 1006 from another storage medium, such as storage device(s) 1010.Execution of the software instructions contained in main memory 1006cause processor(s) 1004 to perform the functions of the exampleembodiment(s).

While functions and operations of the example embodiment(s) may beimplemented entirely with software instructions, hard-wired orprogrammable circuitry of computing device 1000 (e.g., an ASIC, a FPGA,or the like) may be used in other embodiments in place of or incombination with software instructions to perform the functions,according to the requirements of the particular implementation at hand.

The term “storage media” as used herein refers to any non-transitorymedia that store data and/or software instructions that cause acomputing device to operate in a specific fashion. Such storage mediamay comprise non-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatilemedia includes, for example, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM),flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, or solid-state drives, suchas storage device 1010. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such asmain memory 1006. Common forms of storage media include, for example, afloppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid-state drive, magnetictape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any otheroptical data storage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes,a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, flash memory, any othermemory chip or cartridge.

Storage media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction withtransmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between storage media. For example, transmission mediaincludes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including thewires that comprise bus 1002. Transmission media can also take the formof acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-waveand infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more software instructions to processor(s) 1004 for execution.For example, the software instructions may initially be carried on amagnetic disk or solid-state drive of a remote computer. The remotecomputer can load the software instructions into its dynamic memory andsend the software instructions over a telephone line using a modem. Amodem local to computing device 1000 can receive the data on thetelephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data toan infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive the data carriedin the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data onbus 1002. Bus 1002 carries the data to main memory 1006, from whichprocessor(s) 1004 retrieves and executes the software instructions. Thesoftware instructions received by main memory 1006 may optionally bestored on storage device(s) 1010 either before or after execution byprocessor(s) 1004.

Computing device 1000 also may include one or more communicationinterface(s) 1018 coupled to bus 1002. A communication interface 1018provides a two-way data communication coupling to a wired or wirelessnetwork link 1020 that is connected to a local network 1022 (e.g.,Ethernet network, Wireless Local Area Network, cellular phone network,Bluetooth wireless network, or the like). Communication interface 1018sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals thatcarry digital data streams representing various types of information.For example, communication interface 1018 may be a wired networkinterface card, a wireless network interface card with an integratedradio antenna, or a modem (e.g., ISDN, DSL, or cable modem).

Network link(s) 1020 typically provide data communication through one ormore networks to other data devices. For example, a network link 1020may provide a connection through a local network 1022 to a host computer1024 or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP)1026. ISP 1026 in turn provides data communication services through theworld wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to asthe “Internet” 1028. Local network(s) 1022 and Internet 1028 useelectrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital datastreams. The signals through the various networks and the signals onnetwork link(s) 1020 and through communication interface(s) 1018, whichcarry the digital data to and from computing device 1000, are exampleforms of transmission media.

Computing device 1000 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link(s) 1020 andcommunication interface(s) 1018. In the Internet example, a server 1030might transmit a requested code for an application program throughInternet 1028, ISP 1026, local network(s) 1022 and communicationinterface(s) 1018.

The received code may be executed by processor 1004 as it is received,and/or stored in storage device 1010, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution.

5.0 Implementation Mechanisms—Software Overview

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a software system 1100 that may beemployed for controlling the operation of computing device 1000.Software system 1100 and its components, including their connections,relationships, and functions, is meant to be exemplary only, and notmeant to limit implementations of the example embodiment(s). Othersoftware systems suitable for implementing the example embodiment(s) mayhave different components, including components with differentconnections, relationships, and functions.

Software system 1100 is provided for directing the operation ofcomputing device 1000. Software system 1100, which may be stored insystem memory (RAM) 1006 and on fixed storage (e.g., hard disk or flashmemory) 1010, includes a kernel or operating system (OS) 1110.

The OS 1110 manages low-level aspects of computer operation, includingmanaging execution of processes, memory allocation, file input andoutput (I/O), and device I/O. One or more application programs,represented as 1102A, 1102B, 1102C . . . 1102N, may be “loaded” (e.g.,transferred from fixed storage 1010 into memory 1006) for execution bythe system 1100. The applications or other software intended for use ondevice 1100 may also be stored as a set of downloadablecomputer-executable instructions, for example, for downloading andinstallation from an Internet location (e.g., a Web server, an appstore, or other online service).

Software system 1100 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 1115, forreceiving user commands and data in a graphical (e.g., “point-and-click”or “touch gesture”) fashion. These inputs, in turn, may be acted upon bythe system 1100 in accordance with instructions from operating system1110 and/or application(s) 1102. The GUI 1115 also serves to display theresults of operation from the OS 1110 and application(s) 1102, whereuponthe user may supply additional inputs or terminate the session (e.g.,log off).

OS 1110 can execute directly on the bare hardware 1120 (e.g.,processor(s) 1004) of device 1000. Alternatively, a hypervisor orvirtual machine monitor (VMM) 1130 may be interposed between the barehardware 1120 and the OS 1110. In this configuration, VMM 1130 acts as asoftware “cushion” or virtualization layer between the OS 1110 and thebare hardware 1120 of the device 1000.

VMM 1130 instantiates and runs one or more virtual machine instances(“guest machines”). Each guest machine comprises a “guest” operatingsystem, such as OS 1110, and one or more applications, such asapplication(s) 1102, designed to execute on the guest operating system.The VMM 1130 presents the guest operating systems with a virtualoperating platform and manages the execution of the guest operatingsystems.

In some instances, the VMM 1130 may allow a guest operating system torun as if it is running on the bare hardware 1120 of device 1000directly. In these instances, the same version of the guest operatingsystem configured to execute on the bare hardware 1120 directly may alsoexecute on VMM 1130 without modification or reconfiguration. In otherwords, VMM 1130 may provide full hardware and CPU virtualization to aguest operating system in some instances.

In other instances, a guest operating system may be specially designedor configured to execute on VMM 1130 for efficiency. In these instances,the guest operating system is “aware” that it executes on a virtualmachine monitor. In other words, VMM 1130 may providepara-virtualization to a guest operating system in some instances.

The above-described computer hardware and software is presented forpurpose of illustrating the underlying computer components that may beemployed for implementing the example embodiment(s). The exampleembodiment(s), however, are not necessarily limited to any particularcomputing environment or computing device configuration. Instead, theexample embodiment(s) may be implemented in any type of systemarchitecture or processing environment that one skilled in the art, inlight of this disclosure, would understand as capable of supporting thefeatures and functions of the example embodiment(s) presented herein.

6.0 Other Aspects of Disclsoure

Although some of the figures described in the foregoing specificationinclude flow diagrams with steps that are shown in an order, the stepsmay be performed in any order, and are not limited to the order shown inthose flowcharts. Additionally, some steps may be optional, may beperformed multiple times, and/or may be performed by differentcomponents. All steps, operations and functions of a flow diagram thatare described herein are intended to indicate operations that areperformed using programming in a special-purpose computer orgeneral-purpose computer, in various embodiments. In other words, eachflow diagram in this disclosure, in combination with the related textherein, is a guide, plan or specification of all or part of an algorithmfor programming a computer to execute the functions that are described.The level of skill in the field associated with this disclosure is knownto be high, and therefore the flow diagrams and related text in thisdisclosure have been prepared to convey information at a level ofsufficiency and detail that is normally expected in the field whenskilled persons communicate among themselves with respect to programs,algorithms and their implementation.

In the foregoing specification, the example embodiment(s) of the presentinvention have been described with reference to numerous specificdetails. However, the details may vary from implementation toimplementation according to the requirements of the particular implementat hand. The example embodiment(s) are, accordingly, to be regarded inan illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a firstinput of a location point in a first graphical map at a first computingdevice; receiving a second input of a particular menu option from afirst menu option and a second menu option in the first graphical map,wherein the first and second menu options comprise options configuredfor generating enriched pin data for different map pin types, whereinthe first option is configured for generating enriched pin data for afirst map pin type and the second option is configured for generatingenriched pin data for a second map pin type, wherein the first map pintype is configured for conveying information about a request forassistance at the location point, wherein the second map pin type isconfigured for conveying information about travel to the location point;in response to receiving the first input and the second input,generating enriched pin data for a map pin type comprising datacorresponding to a selected option indicated by the second input, theenriched pin data further comprising values that represent ageographical position of the first input; sending the enriched pin datato a second computing device to cause to be displayed, by the secondcomputing device, a pin of the map pin type corresponding to the secondinput, wherein the pin is positioned on a second graphical map at thesecond computing device using the values that represent the geographicalposition of the first input, wherein the pin of the map pin typecorresponding to the second input includes a description of the map pintype, a timestamp value, an indicator of a sender of the enriched pindata, and a relative distance of the geographical position of the firstinput from a geographical position of the second computing device;wherein the method is performed using one or more processors.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a third input thatprovides a media element; wherein the generating enriched pin data isperformed in further response to receiving the third input, the enrichedpin data further comprising the media element; wherein the sending theenriched pin data to the second computing device is performed to furthercause to be displayed, by the second computing device, the mediaelement.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the media element includes adrawing that defines a geographic location in relation to the locationpoint.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the location point is separatefrom a location of the first computing device.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the generated enriched pin data further comprises a route oftravel between a position of the first computing device and the locationpoint.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the sending the enriched pindata to the second computing device is performed to further cause to bedisplayed, by the second computing device, a route of travel between aposition of the first computing device and the location point.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the sending the enriched pin data to thesecond computing device is performed to further cause to be displayed,by the second computing device, an estimated time of arrival of thefirst computing device at the location point.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the generated enriched pin data further comprises informationthat identifies a sender of the enriched pin data at the first computingdevice.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storinginformation about one or more team members associated with the firstcomputing device, including one or more potential recipient computingdevices associated with the one or more team members and a position ofeach of the one or more potential recipient computing devices;determining the second computing device to send the enriched pin data toat least in part from the position of each of the one or more potentialrecipient computing devices.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: determining that the second computing device is within ageographical distance threshold of the first computing device; inresponse to determining that the second computing device is within ageographical distance threshold of the first computing device,performing the sending the enriched pin data to the second computingdevice.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining thatthe second computing device has security permission to receive theenriched pin data; in response to determining that the second computingdevice has security permission to receive the enriched pin data,performing the sending the enriched pin data to the second computingdevice.
 12. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storinginstructions, which when executed by one or more processors cause:receiving a first input of a location point in a first graphical map ata first computing device; receiving a second input of a particular menuoption from a first menu option and a second menu option in the firstgraphical map, wherein the first and second menu options compriseoptions configured for generating enriched pin data for different mappin types, wherein the first option is configured for generatingenriched pin data for a first map pin type and the second option isconfigured for generating enriched pin data for a second map pin type,wherein the first map pin type is configured for conveying informationabout a request for assistance at the location point, wherein the secondmap pin type is configured for conveying information about travel to thelocation point; in response to receiving the first input and the secondinput, generating enriched pin data for a map pin type comprising datacorresponding to a selected option indicated by the second input, theenriched pin data further comprising values that represent ageographical position of the first input; sending the enriched pin datato a second computing device to cause to be displayed, by the secondcomputing device, a pin of the map pin type corresponding to the secondinput, wherein the pin is positioned on a second graphical map at thesecond computing device using the values that represent the geographicalposition of the first input, wherein the pin of the map pin typecorresponding to the second input includes a description of the map pintype, a timestamp value, an indicator of a sender of the enriched pindata, and a relative distance of the geographical position of the firstinput from a geographical position of the second computing device. 13.The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 12,further comprising instructions, which when executed by one or moreprocessors cause: receiving a third input that provides a media element;wherein the generating enriched pin data is performed in furtherresponse to receiving the third input, the enriched pin data furthercomprising the media element; wherein the sending the enriched pin datato the second computing device is performed to further cause to bedisplayed, by the second computing device, the media element.
 14. Theone or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 12, furthercomprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processorscause: storing information about one or more team members associatedwith the first computing device, including one or more potentialrecipient computing devices associated with the one or more team membersand a position of each of the one or more potential recipient computingdevices; determining the second computing device to send the enrichedpin data to at least in part from the position of each of the one ormore potential recipient computing devices.
 15. The one or morenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, further comprisinginstructions, which when executed by one or more processors cause:determining that the second computing device is within a geographicaldistance threshold of the first computing device; in response todetermining that the second computing device is within a geographicaldistance threshold of the first computing device, performing the sendingthe enriched pin data to the second computing device.
 16. The one ormore non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, furthercomprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processorscause: determining that the second computing device has securitypermission to receive the enriched pin data; in response to determiningthat the second computing device has security permission to receive theenriched pin data, performing the sending the enriched pin data to thesecond computing device.